As a coffee enthusiast, you’re well aware that the secret to a flawless cup of java lies in the coffee maker you use. Since 1650, Brits have been enjoying coffee in shops around the country – and over the past few decades, it’s become easier than ever to brew professional-grade coffee at home.
However, with a plethora of coffee makers available on the market, it can be quite challenging to determine the ideal one for your needs. Fret not, as this guide will walk you through 12 popular types of coffee makers. From basic models to more advanced options, we’ve got your back!
Manual vs Electric/Automated Coffee Makers
When it comes to coffee makers, there’s an array of options to choose from, and one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a manual or electric/automated machine. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it ultimately boils down to your personal preference.
Manual Coffee Makers:
- Generally more affordable than electric models
- Offer greater control over the brewing process, allowing you to experiment with different grinds and brewing times
- Can be time-consuming and require more effort compared to electric machines
Electric/Automated Coffee Makers:
- Easy to use; just set it and forget it
- Can be programmed to brew coffee at a specific time, ensuring it’s ready when you wake up
- Highly convenient for large groups, as they can make large quantities without constant monitoring
- Tend to be more expensive than manual machines and offer less control over the final product
So, which one should you choose? If you enjoy having complete control over your coffee brewing process, a manual machine might be the better option for you. However, if convenience and ease of use are your priorities, an electric/automated machine could be the way to go. Ultimately, as long as you end up with a delightful cup of coffee, you can’t go wrong!
Drip Coffee Makers
Drip coffee makers have become a favored choice among coffee aficionados, owing to their simplicity and user-friendliness. To brew a delicious pot of coffee, just follow these easy steps: fill the reservoir with water, place coffee grounds in the filter, and switch on the machine. As the water heats up, it drips through the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee.
You can also customise the strength of your coffee by modifying the water-to-grounds ratio. For a more robust cup, increase the number of coffee grounds; for a milder taste, use less water. With a vast selection of prices and styles, you’ll have no trouble finding a drip coffee maker that caters to your preferences. Whether you’re seeking a basic machine or a high-end model with all the fancy features, there’s a perfect drip coffee maker waiting just for you.
Pour-Over Coffee Makers
Pour-over coffee makers have gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts who prefer to steer clear of the bitterness often associated with drip coffee makers.
The pour-over method entails gently pouring hot water over coffee grounds and allowing them to steep for a few minutes before draining into a carafe. This leisurely brewing process extracts more flavours from the beans, yielding a full-bodied and intricate cup of coffee.
Pour-over coffee makers come in diverse shapes and sizes, and since they don’t require electricity, they make an excellent choice for camping trips or travel.
With a pour-over coffee maker, you can relish a delightful cup of coffee anywhere, at any time.
French Press Coffee Makers
French Press coffee makers have been steadily gaining popularity, and it’s easy to understand why. These devices allow you to create a rich, flavorful cup of coffee with minimal effort. To use a French Press, simply add ground coffee and hot water, let it steep for a few minutes, and then press the plunger to filter the grounds. This process results in a coffee that boasts all the flavours without the bitterness often found in traditionally brewed coffee.
Furthermore, French Press coffee makers are relatively budget-friendly and user-friendly, making them an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned coffee drinkers. So, if you’re seeking a simple way to brew a delectable cup of coffee, a French Press coffee maker is definitely worth considering.
AeroPress Coffee Makers
AeroPress coffee makers have become a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a perfect cup of coffee in the comfort of their own homes. The AeroPress employs a unique brewing method that merges the best aspects of a French press and an espresso machine. By brewing coffee under pressure, it extracts more flavour from the beans, resulting in a rich, flavorful cup with lower acidity and fewer bitter compounds. Moreover, the AeroPress is easy to use and clean, making it an ideal option for those who want freshly brewed coffee without the fuss. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply seeking a straightforward way to make an excellent cup of coffee, an AeroPress coffee maker is worth considering.
Cold Brew Coffee Makers
While cold brew coffee makers have only gained popularity in recent years, the technique of brewing coffee with cold water has been around for centuries. Cold brew coffee is produced by steeping ground coffee in filtered cold water (our 4-in-1 taps can help with that!) for an extended period, usually 10-12 hours. This results in a less acidic and smoother-tasting coffee compared to hot water brewing methods.
Cold brew coffee makers simplify the process of making this refreshing beverage at home. Most devices consist of a filter basket, a carafe, and a lid. To create cold brew coffee, simply add ground coffee to the filter basket and fill the carafe with filtered cold water. Place the lid on the carafe and let the mixture steep for 12 hours or more. Once the steeping process is complete, remove the lid and filter basket, and savour your homemade cold brew coffee.
Tip: you can make cold brew in pretty much anything – you don’t need a speciality maker, but some aficionados claim you can extract the maximum flavour using one.
Espresso Coffee Makers
Espresso coffee makers specialize in crafting rich, concentrated coffee bursting with flavour. These machines operate by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure, extracting more oils and flavours for a potent and aromatic beverage.
Espresso machines come in various styles and sizes, from compact, single-serving models to larger machines capable of brewing multiple cups simultaneously. Most espresso machines also feature a built-in steamer, enabling easy frothing of milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Experienced baristas and coffee lovers alike can enjoy delicious coffee drinks at home with an espresso machine.
Stovetop Coffee Makers
For many, there’s nothing quite like starting the day with a hot cup of coffee. The rich aroma and flavor of freshly brewed coffee can invigorate you and prepare you for the day ahead. If you’re looking for a device that helps you create delicious coffee at home, consider a stovetop coffee maker.
Designed to brew coffee using stove heat, this method extracts more flavor from the beans, resulting in a richer and fuller-bodied cup of coffee. Stovetop coffee makers are typically user-friendly and require only a few minutes to brew a pot of coffee. They are a worthwhile consideration for morning people and afternoon java lovers alike.
Moka Pot Coffee Makers
The Moka pot, a coffee maker dating back to the 1930s, is named after the city of Mocha in Yemen, which was a significant trading center for coffee beans in ancient times. This stovetop coffee maker uses steam pressure to brew coffee, consisting of three chambers: a bottom chamber for water, a middle chamber for ground coffee, and a top chamber for brewed coffee.
Using a Moka pot involves filling the bottom chamber with water, inserting the filter into the middle chamber, adding ground coffee, and screwing on the top chamber. Place it on the stove and wait for the water to boil. As the water boils, steam pressure forces the water up into the middle chamber, mixing with the ground coffee before being forced up into the top chamber to brew under pressure. After a few minutes, your strong, rich coffee is ready to enjoy.
Grind and Brew Coffee Makers
For those who appreciate the taste of freshly ground coffee but don’t want the daily hassle of grinding beans, grind-and-brew coffee makers are an excellent option. Available in various sizes and styles, some even feature built-in filters, ensuring sediment-free, fresh, delicious coffee.
These coffee makers are relatively simple to use, allowing you to enjoy a freshly brewed cup even without barista experience. Grind and brew coffee makers cater to single-cup options or larger machines that can accommodate multiple cups, making them perfect for enjoying fresh, delicious coffee without any hassle.
Turkish Coffee Makers (Ibrik)
Turkish coffee makers, also known as ibrik, are small pots for making strong, thick coffee by boiling water and grounds together before pouring the mixture into small cups. Ibrik coffee makers come in different sizes, all featuring a long handle and narrow spout for controlled pouring.
Typically made from copper or brass, these coffee makers evenly distribute heat and prevent scorching. When used correctly, an ibrik produces a rich and flavorful cup of coffee. For optimal results, use freshly ground beans and simmer the coffee for several minutes before serving.
Vietnamese Coffee Makers (Phin)
Creating traditional Vietnamese coffee requires patience and precision. First, finely ground coffee is placed in the phin, a type of coffee filter. Hot water is then slowly poured over the grounds, allowing them to bloom evenly.
Once all the water is added, the phin is placed on top of a mug or glass, and the brew is allowed to drip through, resulting in a rich and intense coffee with a thick layer of creamy foam on top. Phins come in various sizes and materials, all operating on the same principle: slow and steady brewing for a flavorful cup. For Vietnamese coffee lovers, a phin is an indispensable tool.
Steeped Coffees
Steeped coffees are gaining popularity as a simpler alternative to traditional brewing methods. You only need a cup, hot water, and your favourite coffee beans. To make steeped coffee, add a small amount of coffee to your cup, pour hot water over it, let it steep for 3-5 minutes, and enjoy. Steeped coffee is forgiving, allowing you to experiment with different brewing times to find your preference. Even if you leave your coffee steeping too long, it will still taste delicious.
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Conclusion
There you have it – a guide to 12 popular types of coffee makers. Whether you are looking for an easy way to make a great cup of coffee or you want to explore different brewing methods, there is a coffee maker out there that is right for you. So why not experiment and find the perfect one for your needs? You may just be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Interested in finding out more about the nation’s favourite bean? Check out our guide on where coffee originated from.
